Mycobacterium Avium Complex
Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a
group of bacteria, commonly found in soil or water, that can infect people who
have acquired immunodeficiency disease (AIDS). In people whose CD4+ cell count drops below 50 cells per
microliter (mcL), the bacteria can spread throughout the body and cause
infection almost anywhere.
Symptoms include:
- Night
sweats.
- Fever.
- Diarrhea.
- Fatigue.
- Weight
loss.
- Belly pain.
There is no easy way to avoid exposure to Mycobacterium avium complex bacteria. But medicines are
available that can prevent disease.
Last Revised:
April 5, 2012
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine